Hall of Fame Is Moving

The Missouri Photojournalism Hall of Fame, established here 10 years ago, will close Dec. 31, 2014, and will be moved to another location.

Attendance has been light and the “hope” is that it will be relocated to a site at or near the School of Journalism at the University of Missouri in Columbia, according to Bill Miller, Sr., of The Missourian, one of the founders of the Hall of Fame. The sponsoring organization is the Missouri Press Association Foundation in Columbia.

The Foundation discussed the Hall of Fame at its meeting last week in Columbia. The interest and intent to continue the Hall of Fame are still there, Miller said.

The Hall of Fame, located in the former Knights of Columbus building on Second Street in Downtown Washington, has been open on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and at other times for groups, or even for one individual.

The annual induction program to be held in October will be the last one in Washington.

The Hall of Fame was established to give recognition to outstanding photojournalists who during their career made an impact in Missouri. Inductees’ photos have been on display in the Hall of Fame. Also, displayed are plaques of the inductees. There are several photos that are on permanent display. Photos by the inductees have been displayed for one year. However, several have remained on display.

“Over the years, we have had excellent cooperation from the city, Washington Area Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Washington, Inc., the University of Missouri School of Journalism, Missouri Press Association, and a number of volunteers,” Miller said. “We are very grateful to all of them.”

Miller said if it is located in Columbia, the photos would be viewed by thousands of students every year. “It should be in Columbia for the MU students. Ten years ago when the Hall of Fame was established, MU did not have space for it. I am hopeful space will be found at MU or near the campus.”